Kaizer Chiefs 'need to work and win collectively' in Nedbank Cup

Siphiwe Tshabalala of looks on during the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

JOHANNESBURG - Kaizer Chiefs’ club captain Siphiwe Tshabalala says collecting individual accolades after a trophy-less season with the team is not as pleasant as it should be.

Tshabalala walked away with the club's 2016/2017 Vodacom Player of the Season award after a couple of impressive individual outings for AmaKhosi. However, those were not enough to end the team's two-year barren run.

“Football is not a one man sport,’’ said Tshabalala, who was speaking at his childhood school, Phumzile Primary in Phiri, Soweto; where he donated sports equipment to football and Netball players worth R50 000 - half of the money he bagged for being Chiefs’ best player last season.

“For a player to score, you need a pass from another player. In order for us not to concede we need someone who’ll stop the balls from going into the net. Hence, we need to work and win collectively.”

‘Shabba’ and company have a chance to break the hoodoo that has clouded the club in the past two seasons by winning this year’s Nedbank Cup. As the competition is now in the semi-finals, Amakhosi are set to host Free State Stars at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening (Kick-off: 20:15).

The last time these two teams met was in the league, when Chiefs won 1-0 after the 33-year-old’s close-range set-piece was headed into the net by Teenage Hadebe in referee’s optional time. Tshabalala believes winning the Ke Yona cup is the only way the team can please the Amakhosi faithful this campaign.

“Winning the Nedbank Cup will be the highlight of our season,’’ he said. “It is our only chance. We have to do it for the chairman, supporters and our families. Hopefully, we can change our season around.’’

'Shabba’ was accompanied by teammates Brilliant Khuzwayo, Kabelo Mahlasela and Khotso Malope at the Phumzile Primary handover. The 2010 World Cup goal scorer also made a plea to fellow sportsmen to use their famous and celebrity status to try and give back to those less fortunate.